by Kevin Tetter

Created on: September 05, 2010

There are clear differences running on a treadmill as opposed to running outdoors, and there are pros and cons to both. Depending on the situation, both have their place.

Treadmills are available at nearly every gym, and there are many affordable models on the market for home use as well. A runner can enjoy a climate controlled workout that is generally easier on the knees than an outdoor run. Most treadmills now come with "flex-decks", that help cushion the blow. Treadmills are also adjustable, allowing a runner to traverse hills with the same shock absorbing surface. That adjustability can be found with built-in programs common to many models. Manual settings allow the runner to set whatever pace and incline they want. Hill profiles, as well as random programs offer pre-set programs with progressively difficult levels. The beauty of the treadmill is that it will not allow "cheating", that is, you must maintain the pace that is set, although some treadmills offer a pre-set interval program, that will allow a runner to toggle between two different speeds. All the while, time, calories and distance are being tracked. 

For a change in scenery, outdoor running cannot be beat. Not only is the fresh air more exhilarating than what would be found in a gym or home exercise room, the environment changes from moment to moment, keeping the run interesting and motivating. The programs on the treadmill can be duplicated outdoors, and in fact, may be more challenging. An outdoor hill will surely have some peaks and valleys, not to mention a stone or two on dirt trails. These minor obstacles can force the use of stabilizer muscles in the legs to keep from falling. There is no time limit outdoors either, except what the runner has set for themselves. Most treadmills, at least in gyms, shut down after an hour. This may be unacceptable for the distance runner. Another big advantage to running outdoors it that if you need to stop and rest or use the restroom, you can. Of course, you can on a treadmill as well, but most treadmills will only hold a pause for a few minutes. After that, any stats accumulated are lost. A simple pedometer will eliminate this problem for the outdoor runner. A pedometer will hold the information for the life of the battery.  

Look at using the treadmill or running outdoors as the difference between using machines or free weights. Both have their benefits and should be utilized.

Learn more about this author, Kevin Tetter.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.